Joe West is Xoë Fitzgerald in a New Mexican sci-fi rock opera

By Samara Alpern

This is a story about love, so we know from the outset to expect tragedy. But, as the cross-dressing, folk-singing antihero of Xoë Fitzgerald: Time-Traveling Transvestite teaches us, that’s no reason to give up on a good cause.

Woven Bones is a horrible delight

By Jessica Cassyle Carr

Within the ’60s “monster craze” there was also a rash of supernatural and otherworldly themes on the obscuro end of rock and roll. Songs like "Night of the Phantom" by Larry & the Blue Notes, "Sky Men" by Geoff Goddard and "Morgus the Magnificent" by Morgus & The Three Ghouls are a few examples of the era's haunted, if not silly, creations. America's demented genius Screamin' Jay Hawkins and his British follower the Screaming Lord Sutch were taking horror music to a more frightening place with songs like "Whistlin' Past the Graveyard" and "'Till the Following Night," respectively. Even more examples exist within the priceless 56-song compilation The Roots of the Cramps, released by Garage Masters Records last year, and in the ’60s trash rock series Back From the Grave, released by Crypt Records beginning in the ’80s.

Spira Mirabilis

Albuquerque bands show appreciation for logarithmic spirals, as seen through the medium of a beautiful nautilus. Discuss amazing patterns found in nature with SuperGiant, Five Minute Sin and Suicide Lanes on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 9 p.m. The show convenes at the Launchpad (618 Central SW) and $5 pays your admission. (Jessica Cassyle Carr)

Gian Placido hates the British and people who have love affairs with New York City

By Jessica Cassyle Carr

Gian Placido is an off and on resident of Albuquerque with a rabid disdain for the British. In his natural state you can find him relaxing poolside in a captain’s hat while enjoying top-shelf Scotch and perhaps the view of a sexy new boyfriend. On other occasions, he marauds as DJ Arts and Crafts, specializing in progressive ’70s rock. Below he shares five random, alarmingly Jeff Lynne-free tracks.

Yule Logs and Jingle Balls • Holly Rebelle • Mena Domina • burlesque

By Devin D. O'Leary

Gilded Cage Burlesk and Varieté is definitely getting on Santa's Naughty list with Yule Logs and Jingle Balls: A Very Risqué, Very Glittery, Very Burlesque Ode to the Holidays. Burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, drag acts and more join forces to celebrate this most sparkly of holidays in grand style…